Definition
Pulmonary heart disease is also known as cor pulmonale. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and pulmonary embolisms are the main cause of this type of heart disease. Pulmonary heart disease damages the right side of the heart. Understanding what pulmonary heart disease is and what it does to the heart muscle is essential in adapting lifestyle to gain optimal quality of life, mobility and independence.
Lifestyle
Anyone diagnosed with pulmonary heart disease may be required to undergo some lifestyle changes. If you smoke, stop. If you don't exercise, start. Excessive use of alcohol is not recommended, but some doctors may suggest a small glass of red wine every day to gain benefits from flavinoids and antioxidants, but such may also be found in foods. Exercise may help strengthen the heart muscle and increase stamina and strength for some. Preventing further heart damage is the key to living with pulmonary heart disease. Controlling blood pressure and watching cholesterol levels are also important for anyone suffering from heart disease.
Exercise
Exercise is important when living with pulmonary heart disease. Early exercise routines suggested by your cardiologist may include range of motion activities, walking or mild stair climbing that helps increase strength and endurance. The monitoring and maintaining of an exercise program may be overseen by family physicians or cardiologists and is vital for cardiac rehabilitation.
Diet
Individuals diagnosed with pulmonary heart disease must maintain a well-balanced, low-sodium diet that also limits fat intake. Heart-healthy foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, B-complex vitamins, antioxidants and flavinoids are recommended. Heart healthy food choices include but are not limited to salmon, black or kidney beans and oatmeal. Almonds and walnuts are suggested as well as dark, leafy vegetables.
Mental Outlook
Many individuals diagnosed with pulmonary heart disease experience sadness and depression. Seeking advice or treatment for stress, depression and daily challenges of living with heart disease is an important aspect of overall heart disease treatment plans. Physicians often suggest counseling for patients diagnosed with heart disease to offer an outlet for psychological side effects for those newly diagnosed in order to help provide strategies to cope with limitations or concerns.
Tags: heart disease, with pulmonary, diagnosed with, pulmonary heart, with pulmonary heart